The challenge of creating an Asia-Pacific union

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd thinks big. He wants to turn Asia into another European Union and, last week, he began his campaign to make that concept a reality. But is it realistic to expect rivals like the US, China, Japan and India - each at differing stages of development and jealously guarding their spheres of interest - to come together and co-operate, European style? And, even if it is feasible, has Australia the clout to drive such an initiative?

Mr Rudd sought to answer some of these fundamental questions in a speech delivered to the Asia Society, in Canberra, last Thursday. He outlined the idea of the creation of an Asia-Pacific Community. 'A regional institution which spans the entire Asia-Pacific region - including the United States, Japan, China India, Indonesia and the other states of the region'; one which is 'able to engage in the full spectrum of dialogue, co-operation and action on economic and political matters and future challenges related to security'.

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